VINEGAR . The light wine of Bible times, in consequence of the primitive methods of manufacture then in vogue (for which see Wine and Strono Drink), turned sour much more rapidly than modern wines. In this condition it was termed chômets (lit. ‘sour [stuff]’), and was used, mixed with water, as a drink by the peasants ( Ruth 2:14 ). The Nazirite’s vow of abstinence included also ‘vinegar of wine’ and ‘vinegar of strong drink,’ i.e. of all intoxicating liquor other than grape-wine ( Numbers 6:3 ). The Jewish chômets corresponded to the Roman posca , the favourite drink of the soldiers, which those charged with our Lord’s crucifixion offered Him on the cross EV [Note: English Version.] ‘vinegar’ ( John 19:29 f., but not Matthew 27:34 , see RV [Note: Revised Version.] ).
A. R. S. Kennedy.